Climate change is making cats' breeding season longer, resulting in more kittens taken to shelters (Photo courtesy of the US Humane Society)
Every year between three to four million
dogs and cats in the US are euthanized in
shelters. That’s according to the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
That’s because no one will take them in. Kavitha
Cardoza reports the
warmer temperatures caused by climate change are
making the problem of too many cats worse:
Transcript
Every year between three to four million
dogs and cats in the US are euthanized in
shelters. That’s according to the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
That’s because no one will take them in. Kavitha
Cardoza reports the
warmer temperatures caused by climate change are
making the problem of too many cats worse:
It takes just one cc of sodium pentobarbital and a few seconds to turn this…
(sound of cat mewing)
into this…
(silence)
Each year about twice as many cats as dogs are killed.
(sound of dogs barking)
At the Washington Humane Society Shelter there’s a large whiteboard with instructions
scrawled on it. Kittens “Rice and Gravy” need socializing. The dog Clint Eastwood
does not like other dogs.
Some animals are put down because they have medical problems. Others because
they’re aggressive. But, the main reason is there are just too many of animals and not
enough homes willing to adopt them.
It’s a year round problem, but Spring – around April, begins what’s called the “kitten
season.” Michelle Otis, head of the shelter, says that’s been changing.
“We’re finding that starts earlier every year with the climate change. We’re starting to
see large litters come in as early as February now.”
That would start to slow down in September, but now with warmer winters, it’s
continuing until December.
Otis says on a busy day they get what she calls “an avalanche” of kittens – about 100 a
day – some weighing less than a pound with their eyes still closed.
No one at this shelter wants to euthanize more kittens or puppies.
The only solution they see is to get more people to spay or neuter their pets. But that’s
not easy.
(sound of Jeep stopping and door closing)
Paul Hibler is an animal control officer in Montgomery County Maryland. He’s
responding to a complaint call.
(knocking on door)
Officer: “Hi is victor home?”
Lady: “He’s working.”
Officer: “Does he still have dogs?”
While he waits to get the owner on the phone, Hibler walks to the backyard and points
out the 6 large pups crowded in a small space. They’ve all got “cherry eye” or a red
inflammation of the eyelid.
“This is typical of someone who doesn’t understand the importance of spaying and
neutering. I think he just assumed well if the dog became pregnant she’ll have a couple
of pups and ill be able to find homes for them. And lo and behold she had 10 times the
number he thought.”
Hibler says overpopulation could easily be controlled if people would spay and neuter
their pets.
There are many reasons why pet owners don’t get their pets ‘fixed’. Often it’s the cost.
Sometimes they don’t know where to go. But it’s also myths people believe, such as
“my pet will become fat” or “not as affectionate.”
There are some owners who come to the shelter again and again with litter after litter.
That’s despite offers to spay their pets for free. It’s a huge financial burden for shelters.
And it’s an emotional burden for the people who work there.
Diana Foley at the Washington Humane Society says no matter how many times she’s
been present when an animal is euthanized, it’s never gets easier.
“Each time that you’re faced with that decision, and you’re in that moment, and you’re
thinking how can you make him have a good end. And you’re petting them and holding
them and kissing them and touching them, talking to them and you’re saying how can
you make that animal’s last moments peaceful.”
And with climate change making the breeding season longer, the animal shelter workers
are finding their spending even more “last moments” with unwanted animals.
For The Environment Report, I’m Kavitha Cardoza.
